How to build the perfect running outfit on a budget

Best for runners seeking performance and value

Constructed with Salomon’s Knit_Flow fabric, the SHAKEout CORE Shirt blends the ideal level of performance, breathability and comfort. The fabric features a unique 3D knit structure that dries quickly and allows excess heat to escape easily, while the built-in, 2-way stretch won’t hold you back when you’re picking up the pace. Salomon has wisely chosen to use flat-lock seam construction, which minimizes chafing, especially when you’re training in warm conditions. This is a great running shirt that delivers excellent overall performance at a very reasonable price.

Best for runners seeking full-featured shorts at a great price

By keeping things simple and focusing on the details that matter, Salomon has created a wonderful pair of everyday running shorts at a great price. Speaking of details, the SHAKEout CORE shorts feature a tried-and-true 5” inseam for men and a 4” inseam for women. These dimensions, along with the fabric’s mechanical stretch, do an admirable job of providing unrestricted movement while maintaining modesty. At the waist, Salomon has opted for a straightforward elasticated waistband with a drawcord closure, providing a secure and comfortable fit. Finally, two zippered side pockets allow you to carry small essentials, such as a house key or energy gel. These shorts offer great value for new or experienced runners – get a pair!

Best for runners seeking a light daily trainer at an excellent price

Runners seeking a lightweight daily trainer with good durability and at a reasonable price will enjoy the Rincon 4. With this iteration, Hoka has updated the outsole (now rubberized EVA), ensuring improved durability over previous models. The midsole has also been tweaked and now provides additional rebound and durability–all good things. The stack height has also been cranked by 3 mm, resulting in 36 mm in the heel and 31 mm in the forefoot, for a highly cushioned, comfy ride. Finally, runners in warmer climates will appreciate the highly breathable upper, which allows for excellent airflow. If you’re looking for a straightforward, lightweight daily trainer at a great price, check out the Rincon 4.

Mid-tier lineup:

Best for runners seeking warm weather comfort and subtle, stylish graphics

Runners seeking a lightweight and highly breathable top for warm running conditions will love the Salomon Sense Aero Graphic. Salomon uses a unique engineered fabric that features 37.5 Technology for exceptional thermoregulation and, in turn, comfort in warm weather. Runners will also appreciate the shirt’s minimalist, glued-seam construction, which reduces chafing during longer runs. Finally, Salomon adds an antimicrobial treatment that prevents odour build-up, allowing runners to wear the shirt multiple times between washes.

Best for runners seeking no-nonsense, performance-oriented shorts

The Salomon Sense Aero shorts are the perfect addition to any runner’s wardrobe. Salomon has spec’d classic inseam lengths (5″ for men and 3” for women) and employed their Active Fit construction and 4-way stretch fabric, ensuring unrestricted movement during long, easy runs, as well as more spirited interval workouts. The shorts also feature Salomon’s micro-perforated Aerotech fabric, which offers superb breathability and comfort in warm conditions. For the waist, Salomon employs a low-profile elastic waistband that minimizes chafing and provides a secure fit. Finally, easy-to-access front pockets offer ideal storage for an energy gel, credit card or ID. These are great workhorse shorts at a very reasonable price and should be part of every runner’s clothing collection.

Best for runners seeking a plush daily trainer

The Triumph 22 delivers a surprisingly engaging and responsive ride for such a plush max-cushion shoe. These highly desirable traits primarily stem from Saucony’s PWRRUN PB foam midsole, which delivers noticeable energy return (it’s bouncy) without compromising the plushness and cushioning you need during long training runs, or when you’re logging easy recovery miles. The midsole sports a 37 mm heel stack and 27 mm forefoot stack, resulting in a 10 mm drop. Heel strikers should take particular note of this last dimension, as the Triumph 22 is clearly optimized for your needs. Like most Saucony shoes, the Triumph 22 employs a breathable engineered mesh upper that’s supremely comfortable and does an excellent job of locking in your midfoot. Underneath, a generous amount of durable rubber creates an outsole that is not only wear-resistant but also provides excellent traction in a variety of conditions. This is a great option for anyone looking for a plush and bouncy daily trainer.

Premium lineup:

Best for runners seeking excellent performance and classic styling

You would be forgiven if, at first glance, you assumed the Smartwool Active Mesh Short Sleeve is just another polyester running top. After all, it has the classic aesthetic of many popular running shirts. However, on closer inspection, you’ll notice that there is very little (in a good way) that’s conventional about this top. Starting with the fabric, Smartwool has specified a unique combination of materials that consists of merino wool, recycled polyester and Tencel Lyocell fibre. The materials are strategically blended and used in different parts of the shirt to ensure the optimal level of odour resistance (merino wool), durability (recycled polyester), and comfort (Lyocell). It’s a very savvy construction approach that exploits each material’s strength. Speaking of savvy, Smartwool also employs highly breathable mesh at the back and sleeves for additional ventilation. Finally, offset shoulder and side seams help prevent chafing and hot spots when running in warm conditions. If you are looking for a sophisticated, premium running top, check out the Active Mesh Short Sleeve.

Best for runners seeking shorts for running and fitness training

Whether you spend all your spare time running or, like many runners, prefer to add traditional gym workouts to your training, Smartwool’s Active Lined Shorts have got you covered. Constructed with a unique stretch-woven exterior fabric and a merino wool and Tencel Lyocell blend liner, the Active Lined Shorts deliver exceptional comfort and easy movement, whether you’re logging training miles on the road or lifting weights in the gym. This savvy fabric construction also avoids retaining odours (thank you, merino wool) and the Lyocell fibres help keep you cool in warm conditions. While the men’s and women’s versions feature different inseam lengths (7” versus 4”), they share a similar adjustable drawcord waist. Both shorts also have a zippered pocket for small essentials, while the men’s version also has two hand pockets, due to its longer length.

Best for runners seeking maximum cushioning and responsiveness

With its dual-cell, nitrogen-infused foam midsole, the Glycerin Max delivers exceptional cushioning without compromising the responsiveness you need at faster paces. The shoe achieves these with its unique dual-sized cell construction in the midsole. (Larger cells are used in the heel for better cushioning, while smaller cells in the forefoot provide surprisingly responsive toe-offs.) The addition of a Brooks GlideRoll Rocker geometry adds to the overall responsive feel by encouraging smooth and fast transitions. For the upper, Brooks has employed a tried-and-true engineered triple jacquard textile that securely hugs your foot while allowing for excellent breathability. As you would expect with a maximal shoe, the Glycerin Max has a very generous 45.25-mm heel stack and a 39.25-mm forefoot stack, resulting in drop of 6 mm. If you are in the market for a maximalist training shoe that does not sacrifice responsiveness, check out the Glycerin Max.

Best for runners seeking sun protection and style

Constructed with a lightweight and fast-drying COOLmatic fabric, the GOCap provides UPF 40 sun protection while maintaining breathability, performance and style. The hat’s breathable side panels provide ventilation, while the pliable brim does an admirable job of keeping the sun out of your eyes. Throw in a number of modern colour combinations and you have a great-looking running-specific hat that is also perfect for daily use around town.

Best for runners seeking maximum coverage and sun protection

The Bobcat features a unique hybrid shape that provides goggle-like coverage without compromising airflow and low weight. The result is a pair of glasses that deliver exceptional sun protection while remaining light and airy enough for serious (and even semi-serious) summer runs. Smith specs their ChromaPop lens, which offers excellent optics and detail. Like many high-end sport glasses, the Bobcat allows for easy lens changes and comes with a clear lens that’s suitable for running in low-light conditions.

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